Harvester Header Adjustment to Prevent Crop Loss During Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Harvested crops often fall off the header when it is lifted to a non-operational position during a harvesting operation cessation, leading to waste and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that adjusts the fore/aft tilt angle, reel position, and cutter bar position relative to the header frame upon receiving an input indicating the harvesting operation has ceased, using actuators to prevent crop loss by retaining the harvested material on the header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the header is lifted to a raised position when harvesting operation is ceased, then the harvester can turn around and move to next position, but harvested crops fall off the header causing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically adjusting the reel and cutter bar positions, and modifying the header tilt angle before the header is lifted to the raised position. These advance adjustments ensure crops remain secured on the header during the lifting operation, preventing crop loss while enabling the header to be raised for turning maneuvers.
2Loss of substance
If the header remains at predetermined height during operation cessation, then crop material is retained on header, but harvester cannot turn around efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts header configuration based on operational state. During harvesting, the header maintains predetermined height for crop retention. When turning is required, the system automatically modifies the header tilt angle along with reel and cutter bar positions, enabling the header to be raised efficiently while maintaining crop security through coordinated multi-component adjustment.
3Loss of substance
If manual adjustment of header components is performed, then crop loss can be prevented, but operation time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when harvesting operation ceases and autonomously performing the sequence of adjustments: modifying header tilt angle, repositioning the reel, adjusting the cutter bar, and raising the header to the raised position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention, preventing crop loss while minimizing operation time through automated coordination of all adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the harvesting operation status to trigger automatic adjustments. When the system detects that harvesting has ceased, it initiates the coordinated adjustment sequence without manual input, ensuring timely prevention of crop loss while optimizing the time required for the transition to turning position.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling harvesting implement operation of an agricultural harvester includes a harvesting implement defining a longitudinal axis extending between a forward end of the harvesting implement and an aft end of the harvesting implement. The harvesting implement is configured to be coupled to the agricultural harvester. Moreover, the harvesting implement includes a frame, a reel, and a cutter bar. A controller is configured to receive a first input indicating that a harvesting operation has ceased. Furthermore, the controller is configured to initiate a first adjustment to at least one of a fore/aft tilt angle defined between the longitudinal axis of the harvesting implement and a field surface, a position of the reel relative to the frame, or a position of the cutter bar relative to the frame upon receipt of the first input.